Author and magazine editor for SYM Magazine, Tilsa Wright is a consistent dot connector. It’s a natural knack she has for promoting others while she’s building her own empire. I met Tilsa at a Ladies Who Brunch networking event over a year ago. When she shared that she was an author I was immediately intrigued with what she was doing. Hailing from Jamaica the Caribbean writer is building her brand direct to readers. Her first book series “Star Boy” about a Jamaican cricket player who’s also a ladies man. Creatively she turn a plot from the book into an animation that’s being featured at film festival and is currently finishing up her next novel “Lady in Red”.
Tell me about how you got started in writing?
A homosexual self-published writer I met about 8 years ago. He had published his first project a few months prior to me meeting him in mid-town. At this point in my life I was surrounded by agroup of progressive people and I had become everyone’s cheerleader, including his. As a result I networked on his behalf, introducing him to publicist and a number of people. He then surprisingly rewarded me with words of encouragement to write my first title. At first I was shy and thought no, not me, however ideas began to spew and excitement overtook my thought process for weeks until I decided to move forward.
Who are writers that inspire you?
Sapphire, who wrote ‘Push’, that was later adapted and renamed ‘Precious’. She takes readers on a journey that is indeed unforgettable. Second author is Sister Souljah, who wrote ‘The Coldest Winter Ever’. I admire her writing flow and clarity, she took us from the hood to Long Island and then back.
You’re a multi-medium writer, EIC of Sym Magazine and author of Star Boy the book and animation, how do these mediums differ for you?
Great question, each platform has a different purpose. Sym-Magazine was primarily created as a platform to showcase up and coming talents. As for the books, I called them my babies, are here to help me tap into a fantasy land and naturally with a few ounces of reality. In reference to the animation, Star Boy animation project was an idea to help market the books. Jamaica held its first animation conference back in June 2013 and someone in the industry recommended that I entertain the idea. Now as we speak, the animation will be screened at Jampro inaugural Jamaica Film Festival this July 11-17. Writing screenplays is a bit different. Emotions are conveyed differently-a book tens to engage readers to internalize, visualize and process the story to their interpretation. In film, the audience experiences a more ‘show and tell’ approach.
What was the inspiration behind each of those platforms?
Honestly 100 percent creativity, not necessarily a solid business plan. You see I never saw myself in this ‘Light’ of writing, owning my own enterprise and being in control of anything. I always saw myself as a follower never a leader. Star boy is your first novel series tell me about the process from conception to getting published.
Why did you choose a series over one novel
To totally be honest, back in 2012 when I decided to publish Star Boy I was going through an emotional and devastating period in my life. I hit bottom in the worst way humanly possible. I cannot share much for obvious reasons, just know I instantly became a fighter. A friend suggested I write my story. I refused. She never stopped bothering me to do this until one day in her kitchen, she and her cousin and myself were talking about men and failed relationships. We all shared one thing, PAIN! So the pain I held onto for a number of years gave me ink to write Star Boy. Yes while in High School I dated a young cricketer, needless to say this experience was mentally devastating, never again I would go down that road of not knowing self love, but then I was young and stupid. In all reality of things Star Boy is a fictional storyline, I never married nor have children, he never took my virginity. My high school playmate is how I best describe him now, was a friend then and now we are like oil and vinegar. So writing Star Boy was therapeutic to me, while some naysayers have said differently. I wrote Star Boy and so many women can relate to the main character’s insecurities. Again, life is art and art is life, so to speak. Am I exploiting my own life experiences? HELL NO!
The book has been well-received, are you planning a follow up?
I wrote the first one and then folks asked for more.I decided to combine it into one book. Giving the consumer what they ask for, they complained that the series was too expensive, and for this reason I am condensing it.
What are some of the challenges you face as a writer?
Not having a solid budget, battling with coming up with creative marketing ideas and not having patience with myself. I had to let down myself gently and tell my brain, “Time is the master, not speed.”
What’s next for your writing career?
I plan to publish my third title, “Lady in Red” very soon. This book was inspired from sitting in the living room listening to Notorious BIG’s last album.
What advice would you give to writers who want to follow in your footsteps?
Key advice, love your work with passion! Give yourself time to grow, not overnight howeverslow and organic. Don’t be disappointed when your sales are not going according to plan, just remember your work is out and again, time is the master. Keep pushing!
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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